LANSING, MI -- The Republican-led Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved legislation that could make it more difficult for a minor to end a pregnancy by abortion without parental consent.

Existing state law prohibits clinics from performing an abortion for a minor without obtaining written consent from a parent or a waiver from a judge. But supporters of the law say it contains a loophole allowing minors to "shop" for a waiver, going to court multiple times until they find a judge willing to provide them with the permission they seek.

Senate Bill 254, sponsored by Republican Sen. Dave Robertson of Grand Blanc, would prohibit a minor from seeking a waiver in family court if a family court judge has previously denied a request involving the same pregnancy.

The legislation also includes language directing judges to consider multiple factors before approving a waiver, including whether the minor may have been coerced, the circumstances of her pregnancy, her school attendance record, academic performance and current level of parental dependence.

The bill passed through the Republican-led committee along party lines in a 3-1 vote. Democratic Sen. Steve Bieda of Warren cast the only "no" vote, expressing concern that the measure could allow a judge to ask a minor "incredibly intrusive" questions. A similar bill passed through the full Senate last year, and an earlier version passed both chambers in 2004 before it was vetoed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

The legislation is supported by Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Catholic Conference, organizations which helped organize a 1990 citizens' initiative that led to the state's parental consent law.

Rebecca Mastee of the Michigan Catholic Council, in written testimony submitted to the committee, told lawmakers that SB 254 was a practical measure that should not be controversial.

"This legislation has no implication on whether or not a minor girl can acquire an abortion," she said, "but rather ensures that necessary safeguards are in place to both protect her and ensure that parental rights are maintained."

The Michigan Chapter of the National Organization For Women, however, argued that courts already have good procedures in place to prevent "judge shopping" by pregnant minors.

"We conclude that you are considering SB 254 not to end abuse of the judicial system or to protect pregnant minors, but for the purpose of erecting barriers to access to abortion services for pregnant teens," Mary Pollack told lawmakers in her own written testimony. "This bill has the effect of putting the status of the fetus above that of the pregnant teen."

The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

Jonathan Oosting is a Capitol reporter for MLive Media Group. Email him, find him on Google+ or follow him on Twitter.